Bonaire at Capitan Don’s Habitat

OVERVIEW • DETAILS • Itineraries • Includes • Excludes • FAQs • GALLERY

Location: Bonaire, a Dutch Caribbean island reached via Flamingo International Airport (BON).

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights, departing September 26 – October 4, 2026.

Activity Type: A shore-diving-focused trip with unlimited shore diving included, plus an optional add-on of 10 scheduled boat dives (6 days of 1-tank morning boat dives and 4 days of 1-tank afternoon boat dives). A minimum of an Open Water certification is required; Bonaire's shore diving is accessible for all skill levels, and boat dives are calm and easy to manage. Free Nitrox is available for all dives (certification required, obtainable online). Non-divers are well suited to this trip too, with snorkeling, windsurfing at Lac Bay, hiking in the national park, and relaxing by the water all available — approximately 45% of Captain Don's Habitat's guests are non-divers.

Accommodation: Captain Don's Habitat, staying in Garden/Pool Accommodation (2 Queens). This iconic dive resort features oceanfront rooms, a full-service dive shop, gear lockers, and direct access to the house reef — casual, diver-friendly, and ideally located for exploring Bonaire. Amenities included are daily breakfast, round-trip airport-to-resort transport, and truck rental for shore diving (shared by 4 divers).

Pricing:

• Adult: $2,840 per person
• Single: $3,240 per person

Day 1 — Arrive in Bonaire

Arrive at Flamingo International Airport (BON), where you'll pick up your rental truck (shared among 4 divers) for easy transport around the island. Drive to Captain Don's Habitat, your home for the next 8 nights, and check in. If time allows, set up your dive gear at the resort's dive center and take a stroll along the waterfront. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Rum Runners, Captain Don's on-site restaurant, or head into town for a taste of local flavors. Breakfast included.

Days 2–7 — Diving and Activities

Breakfast at Captain Don's Habitat before heading out for the day. Unlimited shore diving is offered, with BlueBound's trusted guide leading all scheduled shore dives and night dives. Bonaire is known for its world-class shore diving, and some must-visit sites include 1000 Steps (a scenic reef dive with beautiful coral formations and frequent turtle sightings), Salt Pier (famous for its towering pilings covered in vibrant marine life), Hilma Hooker (a sunken cargo ship resting at 100 feet, an exciting wreck dive), Karpata (crystal-clear waters and a dramatic drop-off make this a diver favorite), and The Invisibles (a double-reef system offering a unique underwater landscape).

10 scheduled boat dives are available as an optional add-on: 6 days of 1-tank morning boat dives to explore Bonaire's best boat-accessible reefs, and 4 days of 1-tank afternoon boat dives to experience incredible marine life and coral formations. Free Nitrox is available for all dives (certification required, obtainable online). Breakfast included.

Day 6 — Guided Dive Day at Washington Slagbaai National Park

A full day of adventure in Washington Slagbaai National Park, featuring guided shore diving at some of the park's top dive sites. Expect stunning landscapes, pristine reefs, and the chance to see Bonaire's famous flamingos. Note: diving in the park is not always available.

Non-diving and after-diving activities include exploring Kralendijk (walking through the capital, browsing local shops, and visiting markets), Lac Bay (relaxing at Jibe City or trying windsurfing in the shallow turquoise waters), the Salt Flats & Flamingo Sanctuary (capturing Bonaire's famous pink salt pans and spotting flamingos), and sunset drinks at Karel's Beach Bar (enjoying a cocktail with a perfect oceanfront view). Recommended dinner spots include It Rains Fishes (fresh seafood and beautiful waterfront seating), Brass Boer (a top-tier dining experience with creative cuisine), Capriccio (fantastic Italian dishes with an excellent wine selection), La Cantina (great atmosphere with craft beer and local-inspired dishes), and Sebastian's (romantic seaside dining with international flavors). Breakfast included.

Day 7 — Professional Guided Tour of Bonaire (subject to availability)

A full day of exploration with a professional island guide, showcasing Bonaire's culture and natural beauty. Stops may include the Slave Huts & Salt Flats (a historical look at Bonaire's past) and Rincon (visiting the island's oldest town and trying some local cuisine). Wrap up the day with a farewell dinner at Captain Don's or one of Bonaire's top restaurants. Note: this day's itinerary is subject to availability. Breakfast included.

Day 8 — Departure Day

Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at the resort. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a short activity or relaxation. Check out and drive to Flamingo International Airport (BON) to return your rental truck and catch your flight home, taking with you memories of incredible dives and island adventures. Breakfast included.

• Round Trip Air to Bonaire
• Equipment Rental
• Marine Park/Washington Slagbaai National Park Fees (paid online)
• Diving or Travel insurance (Note: DAN (or other) diving insurance in mandatory for participating)
• Any expenses of personal nature
• Tips for Divemaster, boat crew, and hotel staff (a standard tip when diving from a boat is $10 per dive - $5 for the divemaster and $5 for the captain.

What do I need to know before visiting Bonaire?

Bonaire is one of three Dutch Caribbean islands, along with the better known Aruba and Curacao, lying approximately 80km off the coast of Venezuela in the Leeward Antilles. The island is comprised of a wide range of complex natural habitats, from reefs and beaches to deserts and rainforests, all available to explore. Aside from Papiamentu, the island’s native language, English, Spanish and Dutch are also spoken on Bonaire.

What is the weather like in Bonaire?

Lying outside of “Hurricane Alley” to the south, Bonaire offers a consistently warm and sunny climate, averaging around 30ºC year round. During the rainy season from December through March, you can expect a daily downpour, but they usually don’t last long and the sun almost always reappears afterward.

What are Bonaire's Passport and Visa requirements?

You need a valid passport from your home country, and it must remain valid throughout your stay. Visitors of most countries do not need a visa to enter Bonaire, but some do. See a list of countries that do require a visa,  here.

I don’t dive and all I’ve heard is that Bonaire is for divers…should I choose another resort?

While it is true that Captain Don’s Habitat was built and is operated by divers for divers, nothing could be further from the truth. Approximately 45% of guests are non-divers and many of them repeat guests…with a world-class restaurant, The Spa, a beautiful view of Klein Bonaire and Bonaire’s unbelievable sunsets, the freshwater pool overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, one of the best house reefs on the island for snorkeling…many non-divers have come to enjoy the peace, tranquility and beauty that Bonaire has to offer while enjoying the services, surroundings, and ambiance of Captain Don’s Habitat.

What airport do I fly into?

Fly into Flamingo International Airport (BON). From there, you’ll pick up your shared rental truck (assigned in groups of 4) for getting around the island and accessing dive sites.

What dive certification is required?

A minimum of an Open Water certification is required. Bonaire’s shore diving is accessible for all skill levels, and boat dives are calm and easy to manage.

How many dives are included?

Unlimited shore diving is included, plus optional 10 boat dives (6 morning and 4 afternoon). Night dives are guided by BlueBound guides and are highly recommended.

What’s Captain Don’s Habitat like?

This iconic dive resort features oceanfront rooms, a full-service dive shop, gear lockers, and direct access to the house reef. It’s casual, diver-friendly, and ideally located for exploring Bonaire.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included daily at the resort. Other meals are on your own. We’ll make group dinner reservations at local favorites and offer recommendations if you'd like to explore on your own.

Can non-divers join this trip?

Yes! Bonaire is fantastic for snorkeling, windsurfing at Lac Bay , hiking in the national park , or simply relaxing by the water. There's something for everyone.

Are there any special excursions?

Yes. Our day trip to Washington Slagbaai National Park includes guided dives and the chance to see Bonaire’s rugged landscape, flamingos, and hidden beaches. There’s also a full island tour led by a professional guide on Day 7.